Episode 84: Are Video Games Harmful to Children?
The Theory of Anything · Bruce Nielson and Peter Johansen
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Show Notes
Here we discuss a 1992 interview with David Deutsch where he makes the case that video games are inherently educational, not addictive, and that children should not be stopped from playing as much as they want. We contrast the view of humans, science, and knowledge promoted there by David Deutsch with the more pessimistic view of thinkers such as Jonathan Haidt today. Bruce and Peter reflect on their own mixed feelings on this issue both as critical rationalists and parents.
David Deutsch on video games: https://takingchildrenseriously.com/video-games-a-unique-educational-environment/
Peter briefly quotes from this recent article by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.thefp.com/p/jonathan-haidt-worried-about-the-boys-too
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